Brian Vella: Malta’s agriculture sector has a bright future

Malta Food Agency CEO Brian Vella believes that the country’s agriculture sector is evolving in a positive direction through stronger collaboration between farmers, co-operatives, and consumers.

Speaking about the Agency’s ongoing work to modernise Malta’s food systems with MaltaCEOs.mt, Mr Vella says that the focus is on creating new channels that connect producers directly to the public, helping to increase visibility and demand for locally grown products.

“We are working on new food processes and systems – new food systems such as a new sales stream where co-operatives are involved,” he explains.

 “We are working with co-operatives in Malta and with food co-operatives, and we’ve seen the formation of a new one – a community food co-op.”

The Malta Food Agency, he adds, has invested in a retail outlet that allows the community food co-op to sell Maltese produce directly to consumers. “We invested in a new shop from which the community food co-op can start selling, and there is great success and strong demand. Sales are increasing daily, and the shop serves as a platform through which all Maltese products can be sold. Every Maltese product can be sold from this shop,” he says.

The initiative has proven successful in raising awareness and exposure for local produce, while also supporting farmers to sustain their operations. “This gives more awareness and exposure to the Maltese product,” Mr Vella notes. “If we continue to work, invest, grow, and help build bridges where needed within the sector, I believe that agriculture has a bright future ahead of it.”

Through such initiatives, Mr Vella emphasises, Malta’s agricultural future depends on continued investment, collaboration, and innovation across all parts of the food supply chain.